26 Major Points of Diabetes Care + 10 Healthy Diabetic Indian Recipes
India accounts for a significant amount of the world diabetic population. In fact all of us probably have a diabetic in the family or among our friends. It is important to remember that diabetes is not a disease. Diabetes is a body condition in which there is either less production of insulin, or lack of proper response to the insulin hormone produced in the pancreas.
Stuffed Nachni Roti, Healthy Ragi Roti
Insulin is important for us because it helps cells absorb glucose for converting into energy. Diabetes leads to accumulation of glucose in the blood, and is hence also referred to as ‘blood sugar’. Diabetics need to take special care to keep their blood sugar in control.
ABC of diabetes care, 26 Major Points of Diabetes Care
A. Avoid eating too much at a time; instead have small and frequent meals through the day. Try Nourishing Barley Soup in between meals.
Nourishing Barley Soup
B. Bananas, mangoes, grapes, chickoos and custard apples fall under the ‘no-no’ list.
C. Check your blood sugar levels at least once every two months.
D. Do not miss out on addinf seeds like flax seeds, pumpkin seeds, chia seeds etc. to your meals. Learn How to Eat Flax Seeds.
How To Eat Flaxseeds, Health Benefits
E. Exercise helps increase insulin production and control blood sugar levels and keeps the heart healthy.
F. Fats and oils should be limited to 3 teaspoons per day.
G. Go for an eye check up at least once every two years.
H. High saturated fatty acid nuts like cashew nuts. should be avoided. Instead opt for walnuts and almonds.
I. Including sprouts in youe diet help to curb diabetes; have it in any form at least thrice a week. Have Sprouts Pancake for snacks or dinner.
Sprouts Pancakes
J. Juices and aerated drinks are sugar-laden and should be restricted.
K. Knock out white rice from your meals and replace it with fibre-rich brown rice occasionally. Opt for 1/2 serving of Fenugreek and Mushroom Brown Rice.
Fenugreek and Mushroom Brown Rice
L. Lunch and dinner is incomplete without a bowl of salad. Try Minty Apple Salad.
Minty Apple Salad
M. Methi seeds (6 to 8) soaked overnight and had on an empty stomach in the morning are beneficial.
N. Notify your doctor immediately on noticing any injuries on your body.
O. Opt for whole grains like whole wheat, bajra, ragi, jowar, quinoa, oats etc. Try Oats Methi Muthia.
Oats Methi Muthia
P. Pressure cooking, stir-frying, baking and tava cooking are healthier cooking options than deep-frying. Try the tava cooked Oats Moong Dal Tikki.
Oats Moong Dal Tikki
Q. Quit alcohol and smoking.
R. Refined foods like maida and its products like white bread and biscuits need to be restricted. Multigrain Roti is a good breakfast option.
Multigrain Roti, Healthy Multigrain Chapati
S. Sweets made with sugar substitute and low cal ingredients can be opted occasionalyy to satisfy your sweet tooth. Try Diabetic friendly Malai Peda. Restrict yourself to 1 or 2.
Malai Peda, Diabetic Friendly
T. Take your medicines and / insulin injections as per the doctor’s advice.
U. Use low-fat dairy products instead of high fat counterparts. Mint Raita is a sneak way of combining veggies and curd.
Mint Raita for Weight Loss, Healthy Pudina Raita
V. Vegetables are of extreme importance - consume at least 3 to 4 servings every day. Try a Bengali Subzi - Baingan Bhaja.
Baingan Bhaja, Bengali Begun Bhaja
W. Wash your feet with a mild soap and lukewarm water daily once you get home.
X. Excess weight is a ladder to other health complications; so try and maintain your weight at a healthy level.
Y. Yam, potato and sweet potato are carbohydrate-laden vegetables and best avoided.
Z. Zip up your diet with at least two fibre-rich fruits daily. If you don't like whole fruits, have it in the form of Orange Grapefruit and Mint Salad.
Orange, Grapefruit and Mint Salad
Enjoy our collection of healthy Diabetic recipes below to go with our 26 major points of Diabetes Care. Happy healthy and happy cooking.